Skin Care for Brides: Q & A With a Pro

Brides, I get it. You have a budget to adhere to and spa services seem like a luxury. But what if I told you that visiting an Esthetician is one of the best decisions you could make during your wedding planning process?

Not only will the Esthetician provide you with a customized service, the relaxation benefits and education on how to care for your skin are worth their weight in gold.

I chased down Complexions on Carter’s Esthetician, Kate Williams, to get the 411 on bridal spa services.

Q & A with Kate Williams

Q. What are your most popular services for brides?

A. Our most popular services for brides are waxing (brows, bikini, etc) tinting lashes and brows and a series of facials leading up to the big day.

Q. How far in advance would you suggest a bride calls you prior to her wedding date to achieve the best results?

A. I would suggest if brides are wanting to correct a concern they have with their skin, 6 months in advance would be an ideal time to start facials. But if there are no major concerns, a facial 4 weeks and 2 weeks before a wedding day would be great to achieve glowing skin.

Q. For brides who are prone to breakouts, what products and services do you recommend?

A. I would recommend a series of acne facials for brides who are prone to breakouts. And getting on a consistent skin care regimen for at home care with the appropriate ingredients to help battle breakouts will support the treatments you’re investing in.

Q. Do you have any favorite products you like to suggest to brides?

A. I love our Sal Cleanser, Pro Lite Serum and the Balancing Lotion. Some of our best selling products because they work! You don’t have to overload your skin with too many products. Less is more when you have the right ones.

Q. What should brides avoid in order to maintain healthy, radiant skin?

A. Avoid tanning beds! There are healthier ways to look tan on your wedding day. Self tanners and spay tans have come a long way. Ask me about my favorite self tanners since I’ve tried quite a few!

Q. What do you recommend for dark under eye circles and/or puffiness?

A. To help the under eye area, investing in a effective eye cream is a must. The under eye skin is different than any other skin on our bodies so it needs specific ingredients to help those specific concerns. Also getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated is key as well.

Q. Tell us more about facial peels – the pros and the cons.

A. Facial peels are a more aggressive treatment. Peels use different forms of acids to chemically exfoliate the skin. There are many forms of peels ranging from gentle to very aggressive. Be cautious about your timing before your wedding if you decide to get a peel because it could leave your skin irritated. When you come in for any treatment, we will consult about your skin and decide what is best for you.

Q. Is there a way to reduce rosacea? (redness)

A. Getting on a gentle and consistent daily skin care regimen (with anti inflammatory qualities) can help reduce rosacea. In more severe cases, topical and oral antibiotics might be prescribed. Rosacea is sometimes triggered by environmental factors as well as lifestyle choices (diet, alcohol consumption, etc.) so identifying those can be beneficial.

Q. Is there a way to reduce pore size?

A. Using products with active ingredients such as Retinol that speeds up cellular turnover can help reduce the appearance of pore size. Getting regular facials with extractions of blackheads can also help.

Q. What are common skin care mistakes?

A. And speaking of extractions, one of the most common skin care mistakes is trying to extract a blemish at home. When done incorrectly, extractions can spread the bacteria, extend the life of the blemish and can cause scarring. I know it’s hard to keep from picking but in the long run, coming in for a facial and letting your esthetician prep the skin before extractions is worth it!

Q. Why is it important to keep the skin hydrated?

A. If your skin is well hydrated, it looks healthier and is less prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Our skin needs to stay hydrated to be able to protect against environmental toxins and dehydration can worsen skin concerns such as acne and eczema. Drink a lot of water throughout the day! Your skin (and your body) will thank you!

Q. What is the quickest way to minimize fine lines and wrinkles?

A. Getting facials on a regular basis that include microdermabrasion and investing in products with plant stem cells and peptides can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Q. What lifestyle changes can improve someone skin?

A. Lifestyle changes that can improve your skin include avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, quitting smoking, never tanning in a tanning bed, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and getting adequate sleep.

Q. Take us through, step-by-step, what brides should be doing during their daily at home skincare routine.

A. The basic 4: cleanser, serum, night cream and sunscreen in the morning. Start with an appropriate cleanser. If you’re addressing a skincare concern, a treatment serum would be applied after cleansing. Followed up by a daily moisturizer and a sunscreen in the morning and a heavier moisturizer at night if needed. Masks can be used on a weekly basis. Also don’t go to bed with makeup on, no matter how tired you are! Sometimes it helps to do your skincare routine immediately after getting home in the evenings. Cleansing at night is important for your skin health!

I have had the opportunity to experience a facial with Kate. She’s very skilled at assessing my skin’s needs and gives a crazy good massage. (If you haven’t experienced a facial massage you’re missing out!) A facial massage stimulates the muscles and lymphatic system (removing toxins from cells so that more nutrients can travel in). We have more than 300 pressure points on the face which relate to every organ in our body. Massage increases circulation, alleviates fatigue and activates the body’s natural ability to heal.

For more information and to experience one of Kate’s services visit:

www.complexionsoncarter.com

Beauty 911: Your Face for under $75

I recently received this Beauty 911 message from a former bride of mine:

I have $75 to spend at Sephora. What do I need? It’s the simple life these days. Mascara, blush, eyeshadow, maybe liner if I feel fancy. Help!

Dear Fancy Face,

Spending only $75 at Sephora is no easy feat. That’s like trying to only buy two things at Target. Per your request to ‘keep things simple’, I suggest the following:

This 6-minute $75 easy breezy face consists of Beauty Balm, Blush, Bronzer, Liner, Mascara and Lip Balm.

Boscia Beauty Balm Cream—This is a 5-in-one-product that self-adjusts to complement your skin’s undertone. It will hydrate, prime, cover, firm and protect your skin. $18 for the 1 oz size.

NARS Blush and Bronzer Duo— my favorite bronzer, Laguna, is paired with the blush color of your choice. Use the bronzer as a contour shade (under the cheekbones, around the hairline, jawline and neck) or use it to give you a sunkissed glow (a little on the forehead, high cheekbones, tip of the nose, chin and neck). Apply the blush at the apples of your cheeks and sweep upward. Choose the pocket size for $24. Limited Edition.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Double Ended Eye Pencil —Use the lighter color at the lash line and flip over and use the darker color on your upper waterline (the fleshy skin under your lash line). This is called double lining and will give you the ultimate definition.

Tip: You can smudge the light color upwards to create more color on the lid in lieu of an eyeshadow, then go over it again with the same color at the lash line. $16.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara— this really does what it says. It gives length, volume, lifts and curls your lashes all in one fell swoop. No smudging and no clumps. $10 for the .14 oz size.

Smith’s Rosebud Salve in a Tube— the cure-all for all things that need some TLC. Put it on your lips, your elbows, your butt… (it minimizes diaper rash). $6 for .5 oz.

Voila! $74.00!  Now you can’t come crying to me that you’ve spent too much money at Sephora and don’t have any thing to show for it.

Xoxoxo,

Julie

Eye Creams: Broken Down and Simplified

I recently got asked this question:

“What’s a good eye cream?”

That’s like asking Hugh Hefner who is favorite Playmate is. With so many eye creams on the market it is tough to pinpoint the perfect fit without more analysis.

To determine which eye cream is best, I suggest to address your biggest concern first, then study the ingredient list and make sure the ingredients match your needs.

 

Concern: Under Eye Puffiness

Causes: Genetics, Too Much Partying, Not Enough Sleep, Potato Chips (sodium), Stress, Dehydration.

KEY Ingredient to look for: Caffeine-it constricts the blood vessels or Arnica– it stimulates the activity of white blood cells to relieve congestion.

TIP: If you purchase an eye cream with a rollerball or metal applicator, put it in the fridge. It’s only effective if it’s cold.

 TRY: Clinique All About Eyes Serum $26, Sephora

 

Concern: Under Eye Dark Circles

Cause #1: Hyper-pigmentation on the outer layers of skin.

KEY Ingredient to look for: Retinol*/Retinoid to stimulate cell turnover and diminish dark circles.

*can be irritating to skin.

TIP: Get out of the Sun.

TRY: Philosophy Miracle Worker Retinoid Eye Repair Cream $65, Sephora

Cause #2: Your blood is not clotting properly and it is seeping (gross).

KEY Ingredient to look for: Vitamin K.

TIP: Eat more food with Vitamin K like Kale and Spinach.

TRY: Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue $100, Macys

 

 

Concern: Saggy Under Eye Skin

Causes: Genetics, Slowed Elastin and Collagen Production, Sun Exposure

KEY Ingredient to look for: Peptides or Argireline to stimulate collagen and elastin production-hence making your under eye skin firmer.

TIP: Hide Under a Rock and Stay out of the Sun.

TRY: Skinceuticals Eye Cream $70, Website

 

 

Concern: Fine Lines/Wrinkles

Causes: Genetics, Smoking, Sun Exposure, Repeated Facial Expressions, Poor Nutrition.

KEY Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to attract moisture and maintain hydration.

TIP: Quit eating like Crap.

 

Other KEY Ingredients to look for when choosing an Eye Cream:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to stimulate mircocirculation and prevent water loss.

Anti-oxidants like Vitamins C and E, Grapeseed, Green Tea, and Coenzyme Q10 to delay aging.

Essential Fatty Acids like Meadowfoam seed oil to maintain a healthy cell membrane, which keeps good things in, like water and nutrients.

Plant Stem Cells to reduce and repair wrinkles.

 

I recommend Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair, $69, Macys, as the overall best choice for an eye cream. It has everything from peptides to anti-oxidants. And a little goes a long way.

Beauty 911: Eyebrow Products

I recently received this beauty 911 alert from a former bride of mine:

My beautiful red-headed mother recently decided to stop dying her hair and let her gorgeous grey shine through. I think it looks great, but one thing that bothers her is that her eyebrows also went grey. They are so light that she almost looks like she has no eyebrows! Do you have any specific recommendations of products for eyebrow pencils and such. She’s never really been a make up maven and doesn’t even know where to start. Any advice would be great, even to just get us pointed in the right direction.

I have found most women prefer pencils to define and shadow powders to enhance . It sounds like her mother has brows (hair), but just needs to add color and enhance them.

Here are my recommendations for brow enhancing products:

The Eyebrow King (Damone Roberts) and Eyebrow Queen (Anastasia), both of Beverly Hills, are my go-to people when I want to learn more about brow art or need to stock up on brow products. Damone’s client list includes Madonna and Beyonce. Anatasia’s includes Oprah and Jennifer Lopez.  Their powder shadow colors are foolproof and long-lasting.

Anastasia’s Brow Powder Duo $24, Sephora.  Why 2 powder colors? Try the dark color from arch to outer corner and light color in the inner corner. Or blend together to customize the perfect match.

Damone Roberts Brow Shadow, $20, www.damoneroberts.com, Blowdry! Blow Dry Bar or Extrados. Why are there so many shades with an ash undertone? The hair follicle is inherently gray. It gets its natural color from a type of pigment called melanin. The formation of melanin begins before birth (we go “back to” gray over time because we stop producing melanin). Unless your hair color is dyed a darker color with warmer tones (red, auburn) you generally want to use eyebrow powders with your natural hair follicle undertone- ash.

“Girl, I don’t have 20 dollars to spend on brow powder.”

Ok. Then try ELF. The makeup brand found at Walgreens. They have some decent products and their eyebrow kit ($3) is a consumer favorite. One side is wax (applied first) to hold the brows in place, the other side is the powder to add color and set. There are 4 shades to choose from.

 

Or try NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder, $5.99, Ulta.  The wax is clear and it has 2 powders in the kit. There are 6 shades to choose from.

NYX products are often found on Pinterest in the “dupe” category (same for less). Check out Makeup Alley’s Pinterest Dupe Board here.

But Don’t Forget the Brush!

A stiff angle brush with spooly like Anastasia’s, $18, Ulta will make your job easier.

The spooly combs the hair in place and the stiff angle expertly places the shadow in place with little fall out (sprinkle). *The stiffer or denser the brush, the more product it will lay down.*

“Girl, I don’t have 20 dollars to spend on no spooly.”

Ok. Then try NYX Brow Brush, $5, Nordstrom. Similar to Anastasia’s brush w/o the spooly but only 5 bucks.

I hope this post helps the ‘no brow’ mama or anyone that is needing a little brow love. For more expert advice check out these local brow experts:

Kae @ Brow Chic, St. Paul

Christina and Brook @ Blink for Beauty,  North Loop Minneapolis

Edwin @ Haus Salon, South Minneapolis

Silicone: Good For Boobs, Cupcakes and (Sometimes) Beauty Products

I often receive beauty 911 calls, such as,

Emergency: “Help! My skin is breaking out in hives? What do I do?” 

Solution: “Change your diet to include more Vitamin B, C and E-rich foods and avoid foods that high in histamine.” (It worked.)

Emergency: “Help! My flat iron broke. I need a new one.”

Solution: “Buy the Chi Turbo.”

Emergency: “My hair is thinning. What products should I use?” 

Solution: “Aveda’s Invati Shampoo and Conditioner- the best hair growth shampoo on the market,.” 

I received this 911 message today:

Emergency: “I have started to get greasy hair in the last 6 months and prior to this point in my life, I’ve never had it. turns out the products I’ve used are full of silicone… but I don’t know where to go for non-silicone products. Help!”

Before answering this damsel in distress, I want to make it clear that I am not a silicone hater. Silicone can be our friend. It can  boost your bra size and can help your cupcakes from sticking to the pan.  But you need to know the purpose of silicone and if it’s a fit for your hair type.

SILICONE’S PURPOSE- it retexturizes the hair leaving it smooth and shiny. It coats the hair to make it easy to comb through. It’s reduces frizz and repels moisture throughout the day (moisture can cause frizziness). It acts as a thermal protectant, reducing heat damage to the hair. Some silicones are water-soluable, some are not.

SILICONE’S DRAWBACKS- it can be tough to remove silicone from the hair, creating build-up. Thus making it tough to style the hair.

SILICONE’S VISCIOUS CYCLE- silicone attract particles in the air, making hair feel dirty.  Dirty hair equals more hair washing = more stripping hair of its natural oils =a dehydrated hair and scalp. The scalp reacts by producing more oil= greasy hot mess, and suddenly you’re stuck in a never ending cycle.

WHO IS A SILICONE CANDIDATE? Those with chemically compromised hair (a.ka. damaged hair) will benefit from a silicone-based product. Those who do a lot of thermal style (blowdrying, thermal irons). Or those who like to use a dry shampoo and don’t need to wash their hair everyday.

Here’s the solution for my greasy haired friend.

Living Proof Hair Products (Sephora, Nordstrom). These products are silicone-free and have a unique molecular structure that changes the way your hair behaves (think Christian Grey-like domination, but for your hair). Read more about Living Proof on a previous post of mine here. Plus Jennifer Aniston is their spokesperson and she’s kind of cute.

I also recommend the following silicone, paraben and sulfate free shampoos/conditioners:

Kiehl’s Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo ($18, Nordstrom). While Kiehl’s doesn’t employ the same type of advanced technology in their formulations, they are a tried and true brand that have been around for 160 years.

Curly Hair try Deva Curl ($18.95, Ulta). All of my curly haired girlfriends swear by this product. Plus they call the Shampoo “Poo” and that’s funny.

And while you’re hair is getting back in balance try one of my favorite Dry Shampoo’s Batiste ($7.99, Ulta).

For more detailed information on Silicone in hair products check out this SELF article here.

Xo,

Julie